March 2018

Thursday, March 15, 2018 1:00 PM

CITY NEWS

Phoenix Welcomes New Air Canada Service to Montreal, Quebec. Air Canada Rouge will operate the new route between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport from Feb. 22 to May 28, three times per week. As a bonus, Air Canada made a surprise announcement that it has already renewed and increased this service. It will resume on Sept. 6 and will continue through May 2019 on the same schedule. The new service to Montreal brings the total number of cities served by nonstop flights from Phoenix to Canada to 10.

It’s time to show your love and pump up the adrenaline in the 20th Pride Run Phoenix, founded by Phoenix Frontrunners. Taking place on March 24, 2018, the Pride Run Phoenix offers three race distances - half marathon, 10K, and 5K run. Defined by its philosophy of inclusivity, diversity, equality and acceptance (IDEA), Pride Run Phoenix celebrates and recognizes human rights. The event is a winning combination of social responsibility, art and culture, as well as individual well-being. Participants can enjoy entertainment, art, health exhibitors, food vendors, and a beer garden at the finish line at the Phoenix Art Museum from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

If you’re visiting Phoenix to enjoy Cactus League Spring Training games, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa is offering a “Triple Play” package for fans looking for a luxurious stay. With room rates starting from $579 per night, the “Triple Play” package at Royal Palms is available for stays Feb. 22 through March 28, 2018 and includes breakfast for two, a $50 credit to T. Cook’s and a $50 credit to Alvadora Spa. Use promo code TPLAY to book your stay. A three-night minimum stay is required and blackout dates may apply.

After a six-month, multi-million dollar development, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown opened at 10 East Thomas Road. This heart-of-Phoenix location offers guests easy access to all downtown attractions — from sporting events and the Phoenix Convention Center to museums, dining, shopping, entertainment, the light rail and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. In addition to the hotel’s 242 two-room suites, the lobby’s signature Salt River Tavern, in homage of Phoenix’s early days as the “Salt River Valley” prior to the 1930s, serves lunch and dinner with a full menu created by Executive Chef Robert Walters.

Nestled at the base of America’s largest urban park and wilderness preserve, the newly transformed Arizona Grand Resort & Spa now features a residential-style look in all 744 guest suites, offering a true “home away from home” experience. Highlights include new hardwood-style flooring in all guest suite living rooms, a fresh color palette and new paint throughout, new carpet in all guest suite bedrooms and new “soft goods” from bedding to drapery and sheers. New sofa beds in the guest suite living rooms, walk-in showers featuring glass partitions and new artwork round out the list of upgrades.

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona is making history with the state’s first-ever indoor water park. The 85,000 square-foot water park will include slides, raft rides, activity pools and splash pads. In addition to the indoor pools, the hotel will feature a 27,000 square-foot family adventure center, an outdoor pool, family-friendly activities, and a food court. The hotel is set to open in Scottsdale mid-to-late 2019.

It’s almost that time of year again. Get ready for Spring Training at Renaissance Phoenix DowntownHotel with the Spring Training, Sip & Stay in Downtown Phoenix Package. The offer includes a guest room, two cocktails per night and late checkout with rates beginning at $309 with the cluster code SPO.

Wind down from the excitement of Spring Training games at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix. With dates from Feb. 23 to April 1, book using the code LCPKG1 to receive the Spring Training 2018 package at the property. The special includes a daily rate of $139+ for deluxe accommodations, complimentary wifi and free kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal

The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, featuring a newly redesigned ultra-lux Spa Casitas and Spa Suites, was ranked among the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The awards are determined based on “millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year,” per TripAdvisor, zeroing in on accommodations that receive the highest marks for value, service, amenities and overall experience.

Hotel Adeline, formerly Scottsdale Inn, will begin its soft opening after partially completing its $12 million renovations. During the soft opening, the hotel will have 40 percent of rooms available for guests and is offering special rates during this time. After completion, Hotel Adeline will offer 213 guestrooms and feature a 3,000 square-foot zero edge pool.

The Scott has been reborn with lively cultural programming that celebrates Mission style architecture, infused with the colors and comforts of a 1930s Havana aesthetic and the elegant geometry of the Bauhaus movement fixtures and décor – all while celebrating its prime location in Old Town Scottsdale. Phase one of the renovations to the resort’s public spaces debuted in September 2017, introducing a refreshed and re-concepted lobby bar, restaurant, pool bar and outdoor pool oasis with new cabanas collectively named “The Canal Club,” as well as 14,500 square feet of refurbished meeting space. The second phase will comprise all guest rooms and suites, with significant upgrades ranging from new furniture packages and case goods to redesigned bathrooms. The following wave of renovations, to be completed fall 2018, will also unveil an all-new presidential suite and the addition of 12 one-bedroom suites.

Learn to create your own masterpieces, no matter your skill level at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. The resort’s curated Artist in Residence program lets guests rub elbows, paint brushes and other artist’s tools with some of Arizona’s most talented artists in a host of different mediums. The program opens with a sunset reception with each artist on Sanctuary’s Paradise Views Patio. It continues with an Artist Workshop in another private venue called Praying Monk after the signature rock formation on Camelback Mountain. The workshop, priced at $125 per person, is designed for all levels of artistic accomplishment, from beginner to advanced. Guests will get professional instruction, insights on technique and the creative process, and materials to create a finished work of art. Following each workshop, participants are invited to join the artist for lunch in elements restaurant. Featured artists include Rembrandt Quiballo, professional photographer who will teach participants to take impressive photos on their smart phone; and Rosa Kilgore, who will lead an exciting workshop using sterling silver, semi-precious charms and amulets to create wearable art. Event dates will be announced in the New Year.

Kick off the New Year with a new approach to fitness and wellness at Boulders Resort. 12 Weeks to Wellness is a new fitness program that will be offered throughout 2018 and includes two fitness assessments with the spa’s certified fitness instructor; weekly sessions with the spa’s certified personal trainer; customized healthy eating programs by the spa’s certified nutritionist. The program also includes all fitness classes and 15 percent off meals at the Spa Café. 12 Weeks to Wellness is available for both resort guests and local residents.

If you’re looking for a night of music, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa’s final spring “Concert Under the Stars” will feature the legendary, classical/flamenco guitarist, Esteban. Performing with Esteban will be his daughter, Teresa Joy, the “violin tamer,” and his full band. Having studied in Spain with master guitarist Andres Segovia, Esteban takes those classical techniques to another level. This “not-to-be-missed” concert with music and stories will inspire and stir the passion of your soul. The sunset concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. “under the stars” in the resort’s signature Fountain Court, set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains.

The JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa added 12 luxury pickleball courts to its full-service racquet center. The fun doesn’t stop off the court either; the resort’s culinary team will provide a menu of pickled specialties that can be purchased with in-house groups who’ve signed up for a teambuilding pickleball session.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the legendary, futuristic fashions of the technology-inspired Dutch designer Iris van Herpen at the Phoenix ArtMuseum, on display until May 13, 2018. Van Herpen has dressed stars including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga,and Scarlett Johansson, collaborated with scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the European Organization for Nuclear Research, and her 3-D printed dresses were featured on TIME Magazine’s list of Best Inventions in 2011. This is the final venue in the U.S. to view this unique exhibition.

Artlink‘s sixth annual Art d’Core Gala will feature a one-night-only exhibition of works by 13 members of the Artlink Artist Council (AAC), paired with works by 13 emerging artists to kick off the 30th Annual Art Detour. A brief program celebrating the arts and culture community’s contribution to the development of a dynamic downtown Phoenix will be capped by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton’s annual “Toast to Downtown.” This creative spin on a traditional gala is hosted by Artlink Inc. in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc., serving as opening night to an Art Detour event that has grown to an expanded six-day, multi-faceted exploration of Phoenix’s arts and culture.

The Pueblo Grande Museum wants you to celebrate Arizona Archaeology Month. Find your inner archaeologist and enjoy a tour, class, or program in March to get nerdy with artifacts, petroglyphs, and bow and arrow production. There’s also an “Archaeology for Kids” class and a “behind the scenes” tour of the museums’ collection. Register for paid programs at www.pueblogrande.com or through the Phoenix Parks and Recreation site at www.phoenix.gov/parks/classes-and-programs. In April, celebrate International Jazz Day at the museum with a special presentation on Pima Jazz – The Life and Musical Legacy of Russel ‘Big Chief’ Moore by J. Andrew Darling.

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style at Turf Paradise Saturday, May 5. From the producers of The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, The Stella Artois Derby Day Club opens at 10:30 a.m. with live racing at Turf Paradise starting at 11:30 a.m. Place your bets for the Kentucky Derby, which will be broadcast live at the track and in the Derby Day Club at 3:24 p.m. Sit track-side inside the exclusive air-cooled, polo party-like Stella Artois Derby DayClub where you can watch all the finish line action, track-side betting terminals, and a no-host bar including Mint Juleps, beer, wine and cocktails, DJ and 65” TVs to watch the Kentucky Derby. General Admission DayClub tickets into the tent start at just $30 in advance, or $40 at the door. Reserved seats are $60. Or reserve your spot now inside the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label VIP Lounge. VIP Admission includes admission into Turf Paradise, the air-cooled VIP Lounge along the track near the finish line, betting terminals, complimentary food by Fried and Fizzy, with fried chicken and champagne and up to three complimentary beverages including Mint Juleps, beer, wine and cocktails, DJ and 65” TVs to watch the Kentucky Derby and live local racing. VIP tickets are $115 in advance or $125 at the door. Purchase of these tickets also includes one complimentary 2 ounce tasting of Dom Pérignon Champagne in the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label VIP Lounge. Space is limited.

Take a trip on Grand Canyon Helicopters’ featured tour, King of Canyons. The trip includes limousine transfers, a VIP terminal/Las Vegas Strip location and a flight over the Hoover Dam and beautiful Lake Mead. Passengers will land 4,000 feet into the Canyon and on the banks of the Colorado River with an included champagne picnic.

Disney On Ice returns to Phoenix with Frozen at Talking Stick Resort Arena from April 12-15. Dazzling ice skating, special effects and unforgettable music will magically transport you to wintry Arendelle. Be a part of Anna’s fearless adventure to find her sister Queen Elsa, whose icy powers trapped the kingdom in an eternal winter. Join the hilarious snowman Olaf, rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer sidekick Sven as they help Anna in a race to bring back summer. Encounter Everest-like conditions and mystical trolls as you sing along to Academy Award-winning songs like Let It Go while ultimately discovering that true love is the most powerful magic of all! Ticket prices start at $20 for ages 13-and-up and $15 discount tickets are available for children ages 2-12.

The Hermosa Inn continues its artistic legacy with its Spring Palette to Palate, a three-day art retreat designed to awaken the senses, soothe the spirit and create picture perfect memories to last a lifetime. From April 13-15 participants can eat, drink and express their creative side with seven different artistic workshops for $75 each.

Shake things up at Desert Botanical Garden’s annual Agave on the Rocks. On March 30 from 6 – 9 p.m. sip a refreshing margarita in a glowing glass while tasting culinary treats prepared by some of the Valley’s best restaurants & caterers. Throughout the night, dance and sing along with bands curated by Arizona’s own, Roger Clyne of Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers. Check out Mexican Moonshine Tequila and food-pairing experience where you can also purchase your own tequila. Full cash bars will also be located throughout the Garden, selling agave-inspired cocktails. The event is ages 21+ only. Tickets are $70 for members and $75 for nonmembers.

The Nash, one of the top jazz venues in the world, will unveil a new exhibit of work from three local artists: mixed-media collage artist Aileen Frick and painters Abe Zucca and José Andrés Girón. The exhibit, "Home: Celebrating Community reflects the artists' impressions of community through iconic paintings of our downtown Phoenix neighborhoods, displayed until March 31, 2018. The work on display will include mixed-media images of neighborhoods, paintings of iconic Phoenix scenes, and a selection of paintings featuring jazz centenarians.

Explore the photographic revolution at the Phoenix Art Museum. The Logic of Copy: Four Decades of Photography in Print delves into the fusion of printmaking and photography that transformed the art world beginning in the 1960s. It highlights the influence of artists as Robert Heinecken, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, James Turrell and Tacita Dean. The exhibit is open until April 22, 2018.

SPA

Cleanse your body and spirit this spring at Agave, The Arizona Spa at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Spring specials include the Sugar Oasis Body Scrub featuring a blend of microgreens, rosemary cajeput, lavender and sage; the Spring Renewal Facial with a three-piece capsule collection of blackberry juice, raspberry juice and pineapple extracts; and a Spring Renewal Manicure/Pedicure with a microgreen scrub

Enjoy warm spring evenings and spectacular sunset views with the new Candlelight Yoga Series at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Attendees will be treated to an hour-long yoga flow practice and incredible sunset views of the Valley on the Resort's outdoor lawns. After the yoga session, mingle with friends al fresco in candlelight over a glass of red or white wine, provided complimentary to all attendees. Open to resort and local guests, the yoga classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and are priced at $20 per person. Local guests are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats. The Spring Candlelight Yoga Series will be held every other Thursday in March and April, beginning March 15.

Just as spring brings the renaissance of the new season, the Spa at the Boulders offers the Avocado Citrus Rebirth. Rich in Vitamin E, phytosterols and the ‘youth mineral’ potassium, there is no better way to nourish deep layers of the skin and prevent the appearance of aging. In this sensuous indulgence, the therapist will gently slough skin with mineral-rich salt, avocado and olive oils enriched with skin healing calendula. The spa guest will then enjoy a hydrating application of Desert Zen Citrus and Jasmine Body Cream.

Get ready to feel out of this world for only $115 from The Amethyst Spa & Boutique at We-Ko-Pa Resort. Through the end of March, guests can enjoy a full-body, circulation-boosting therapeutic aromatherapy massage with the use of essential oils that will calm the mind, nourish the soul and leave you feeling replenished.

If you’re in the need for some southern comfort food this month, Trapp Haus BBQ has opened in downtown Phoenix. Trapp Haus BBQ fuses slow-smoked championship-style BBQ with urban Southern cooking in a restaurant with a decidedly New York vibe. Uniquely designed for the surrounding urban-style living, residents are welcome to sit down and enjoy a home-cooked meal in the relaxed environment, or the business crowd and busy families can choose to “grab and go.”

Good news for all craft beer enthusiasts – DeSoto Central Market’s ‘Brewery in Residence’ series kicked off with the three-month-long Huss-DesotoPopUpTaproom. Until April, guests can experience the bold flavors and chill craft beer vibes of this family-owned brewery for the first in a series of three-month-long 'Brewery in Residence' pop-ups, highlighting a rotating collection of top local breweries. Tempting beer lovers with 12 different craft drafts, plus gourmet bar bites inspired by the menu at Huss' Uptown Taproom, enjoy Best AZ Beer winner Scottsdale Blonde and favorites such as Copper State IPA, Koffee Kolsch, Papago Orange Blossom and Coconut Joe. The Huss-Desoto Pop Up Taproom will also offer rare barrel-aged beers, new seasonal beers and an exclusive beer served only at Huss-DeSoto.

Through March 23, newly opened TRES Tempe will be serving up deals including an all-day, everyday happy hour menu. Specials include a buy-one-get-one-free small or medium plate for lunch, and a free small dinner plate with the purchase of a medium plate. To redeem, diners must mention specials at time of order, and advanced reservations for the lunch special are required to redeem.

Counting down the days until St. Patrick’s Day? Match Restaurant & Lounge is offering a special St. Patty’s Day Match Green Tea with Jameson Irish Whiskey, peach liquer, lime juice, a splash of Sprite and orange peel garnish for $10. If you’re more excited about Spring Training, the restaurant is also offering their Prickly Pear Margarita with Sierra Nevada Sour Beer for just $12.

Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician introduced the new monthly “Meet at Mowry” signature dining series. In March, enjoy a Wine + Dinner Feast and in April fill up at the BBQ, Bourbon and Beer Feast.

The owners of LDV Winery in Scottsdale are celebrating a decade of wine-making this year. Events take place from April to November and range from wine blending competitions to barbecues

The Nirvana Food & Wine Festival returns to Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa April 19-22. Step into culinary heaven with four days of food-related fun whipped up by world-acclaimed chefs, mixologists, and California winemakers. Scottsdale’s premiere food event is back for a second year of tastings, themed parties, fine dining and opportunities to get up close and personal with international celebrities from the world of food and wine. In addition to individual tickets, there are two value packages available: the Nirvana Passport ($444), offering a 20 percent savings for those who attend all events (excluding the celebrity golf tournament, Rosé Parté, and Master of Taste) and the Fiji Tastemaker ($256.50), which combines two main events, Bourbon Street and Tequila & Tortillas, at a 10-percent savings. Those interested in turning their festival experience into a luxurious culinary getaway can book one of two Nirvana Packages. “Total Nirvana” starts at $2,025 and includes three nights’ (Thursday – Saturday) accommodations at Sanctuary, tickets to all four main Nirvana events, and 20 percent savings on room and tickets. Or, travelers may opt for the “Nirvana Package” that starts at $1,827 with the guest’s choice of two Nirvana main events, and 10-percent savings on tickets and accommodations in a luxury casita, suite or private home.

Give back to local youth charities while eating food from the best restaurants in the Valley. The Original Taste, Arizona’s premier food and beverage celebration, returns to the Scottsdale Waterfront April 28 at 7 p.m. The festival will feature food and drink from some of the Valley’s most popular establishments like T. Cook’s, Tarbell’s, Sushi Roku, Sonata’s Restaurant, Sol Mexican Cocina, Postino, Olive & Ivy, Casa Migos, RNR, Stock & Stable and more. This is a 21-and-older-only event.

Up until March 27, enjoy all-day happy hour specials at the Thirsty Camel at the Phoenician with your same-day Cactus League Spring Training ticket stub. Menu highlights include $5 beers as well as $2-off all specialty cocktails and Sand Reckoner wines.

Speed into the heat of the summer at the new Scottsdale Fahrenheit Festival: Arms, Legs and Kegs on June 16. The festival will also feature the return of the Beat the Heat footrace across WestWorld of Scottsdale. The race will start at 2:47 p.m. sharp, the time of day in 1990 when thermometers in the Phoenix metropolitan area struck 122 degrees on June 26. The first place winner will receive $1,900 to commemorate the year Arizona broke this temperature record. As part of the festivities at the Scottsdale Fahrenheit Festival, participants can also watch the nation’s most lucrative arm wrestling contest featuring the World’s Greatest Arm Wrestler, Travis Bagent, as well as get cooled off by enjoying the best craft beers and cocktails. The Arizona Ales & Cocktails Festival located inside the Scottsdale Fahrenheit Festival will feature top mixologists, M Culinary and the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

Central Phoenix’s dining scene continues to grow with an exciting new partnership between Jennifer Russo and David Duarte. These two decorated local chefs have come together to create a unique “space share” at The Market Restaurant + Bar. Russo and Duarte will share the restaurant space with two distinctly different restaurants on varying nights. Russo’s “The Market Restaurant + Bar” will continue to serve the brunch, lunch and dinner menu her clientele knows and loves. It will be open Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for brunch, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner, Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for brunch and the first and third Saturday of every month for dinner from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Duarte’s new concept, “Finestre Modern Gastronomy” inside The Market will serve dinner Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Duarte’s menu will change seasonally and will be five, seven or nine courses, paired with (or without) wine. Prices will vary from $60-$225 per person based on the number of courses and wine pairing option.

SPORTS/GOLF

The 2018 Cactus League schedule has been announced. Cactus League Spring Training, a seasonal rite in Greater Phoenix, roars to life every spring with the iconic sounds of cracking bats, snapping mitts and happy fans. For baseball lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this: sunny weather, affordable tickets and unparalleled proximity to the best players in the game. The 2018 Cactus League season features 15 major league teams and more than 200 games from February 23 to March 27, 2018.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are celebrating their 20th anniversary this season with special events and opportunities to connect fans of all ages. On Opening Day (March 29) the D-Backs will feature a ceremonial first pitch from members of each D-backs Postseason team. The next day, the team will give out 20,000 reusable 20th anniversary bags. The actual 20th anniversary of the team’s first game (March 31) will be played against the same opponent (Colorado Rockies) and feature a pregame ceremony that will replicate the original first pitch.

During Spring Training, Boulders Resort will offer a special stay and play golf packages. The package includes accommodations in the Villa, one round of golf per person every night of your stay, a $25 per person lunch voucher, complimentary access to the spa and unlimited fitness classes starting at $1,479 with double occupancy. The resort is also offering a selection of golf academy programs in the spring to get you up to par.